Strategies for Cataloging Historical Serials

The challenges the cataloger of historical serials faces are many and they come from all aspects of the cataloging process. For those who primarily catalog contemporary materials, these issues can be particularly daunting. The object of this article is to examine some of the more commonly experienced issues with emphasis on how to address them in a practical sense. The article is organized by broad functional categories: types of material, iterations, bibliographic data, and name authority control.     

Copy Cataloging of Serials

No abstract available for this article.     

Serials Cataloging in Transition

Serials cataloging is a task in transition. In 1976, it was performed isolation at each library. In 1985, librarians are developing standardized, cooperative, automated, integrated cataloging systems.     

Creativity in Serials Cataloging

Abstract

The concept of creativity in cataloging was defined. Creativity presupposes thorough knowledge of cataloging rules and standards. The goal of creative cataloging is to adapt records in order to enhance patron access to information in the library database. Using examples from various types of serial records, the workshop leaders discussed creative cataloging methods in the online environment.     

SCCTP Electronic Serials Cataloging Workshop

This preconference was a presentation of the Electronic Serials Cataloging Workshop created by the Serials Cataloging Cooperative Training Program (SCCTP). The workshop assumed a general knowledge of print serials cataloging and focused on issues specific to cataloging electronic serials. Presenter Jeanne Baker followed the course content developed by SCCTP, while highlighting changes introduced by the new CONSER standard record where applicable.     

Cataloging Electronic Supplements to Serials

No abstract available for this article.     

Cataloging Computer Files as Serials

Due to the nature of serials, cataloging machine-readable records that address the "serial" aspect of any material can be challenging as well as frustrating. The cataloging of computer files also presents unique difficulties. A serials cataloger discusses the advantages of treating computer files as serials for cataloging and processing purposes, and outlines methodologies for doing so. She examines general concerns and addresses issues pertaining to both direct and remote access to the materials. Giving hints from her own experience, she suggests tools and resources available that can assist both catalogers and non-catalogers in the interpretation of serial computer file records.     

Format Integration and Serials Cataloging

Summary

Format integration has achieved some goals: Seriality of nonprint materials can be expressed. Materials in several physical formats can be described. Archival control of non-print materials can be designated. Content designation has been standardized. Validation routines have been simplified or eliminated. Documentation has been much reduced. Format integration also brings new problems and issues. Bibliographic records are more complex, partly due to the nature of the material, but also due to new fields. Format specialists must learn new cataloging rules and content designation. Optional fields can impede shared cataloging. Local systems may be unable to correctly use some of the new codes. Format integration runs counter to the proposed use of a single record for multiple versions. Catalogers have a great deal to consider in formulating policies.     

Serials Cataloging in an Automated Environment

No abstract available for this article.     

Risky Business: Outsourcing Serials Cataloging

In 1999, the University Library System at the University of Pittsburgh began a project to outsource cataloging for both the monographs and serials that were included in a special collection known at the university as the Glidden Collection. The collection had previously been accessible only through the existence of a card catalog. The materials had originally been cataloged using a local hybrid classification system based on the Glidden classification system. In her presentation, Faye Leibowitz provides detailed information about the history of the collection and why certain factors associated with the collection made it a difficult candidate for outsourcing. Libraries should seriously consider the hidden costs of outsourcing serials cataloging. The decision to outsource serials cataloging should take into account staffing problems and training. The way in which catalogers at the selected vendor use “cataloger's judgment” can also impact consistency between existing library policy and the outsourced records.     

Serials Cataloging Developments, 1975-1985

Serials cataloging developments from 1975 through 1985 are discussed. Emphasis is placed on changes in cataloging rules, especially the effects of AACR2. Also discussed are uniform titles for serials and other title problems, microform problems, and CONSER.     

Multiple Version Cataloging and Preservation Microfilming for Brittle Issues of Serials

No abstract available for this article.